Children at Sharjah Book Fair turned LEGO bricks into working robots, learning coding, engineering and problem-solving through interactive workshops designed to encourage creativity and technological confidence.
SHARJAH: Young innovators at the Sharjah Book Fair explored the exciting world of robotics by building and programming their own LEGO robots during an interactive workshop designed to introduce children to coding, engineering and problem-solving.
Held as part of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), the ‘Robotics for Kids’ workshop allowed participants to transform colourful LEGO bricks into moving machines using motors, sensors and simple programming commands.
The hands-on experience encouraged children to experiment with technology while discovering how individual components work together to create functioning robots.
How children turned LEGO bricks into working robots
Using LEGO Education SPIKE kits, participants assembled mechanical structures, connected electronic components and programmed their creations to perform different movements.
Once the robots were built, children tested their coding skills by writing instructions and watching their machines respond.
Each challenge offered an opportunity to identify mistakes, adjust commands and improve performance, introducing young learners to the fundamentals of engineering through practical experimentation.
The workshop featured multiple sessions tailored to different age groups, allowing children to explore robotics at a level suited to their abilities.
Why learning robotics early matters
Workshop instructor Omar Al Zu’bi explained that introducing robotics at a young age can help children develop important thinking and problem-solving abilities.
“Introducing children to robotics at an early age helps develop their logical thinking, spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. When children build a robot, they learn to understand how different components work together, anticipate how their designs will behave and test their ideas through programming.”
He also highlighted how practical challenges encourage independent thinking and help children understand that technology is something they can create and control.
Through these activities, participants gained experience in logical reasoning, recognising patterns and testing different solutions.
Impact to expect
The robotics workshop at the Sharjah Book Fair could encourage greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young learners across the UAE. Introducing coding and engineering through play may also inspire families and educators to explore more hands-on technology activities that support creativity, confidence and practical learning.
Sharjah International Book Fair connects creativity with technology
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, SIBF 2026 runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with Oman participating as Guest of Honour.
The event brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles.
Its programme includes 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, featuring 106 guests from 25 countries.
By combining interactive technology workshops with its literary programme, the Sharjah Book Fair is giving children opportunities to explore new interests beyond traditional reading activities.
The robotics sessions demonstrated how practical learning can make complex technological concepts accessible, engaging and enjoyable for young minds.
